I want to start with a rather controversial romance. Helena, the narrator of the book, is a young woman coming of age in a world ruled by law, justice, and the heavy hands that uphold them. And what belongs to every coming-of-age story? Love. Whether passionate and full of youthful intensity or more subdued and complicated, The Justice of Kings gives us both. I particularly enjoyed how love here isn’t a simple, feel-good subplot but rather something that challenges norms, crossing into forbidden territory—perfectly fitting for a book about justice and morality. The power dynamics make it an intriguing, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately thought-provoking read. Read my Review.

Fantasy novels rarely focus on already-established relationships, and even when they do, the romance is often pushed to the background. But this book does something different. It beautifully portrays a mature, enduring relationship where love isn’t about grand declarations but about unwavering support. The bond between the two lovers in Hills of Heather and Bone is so deeply felt, and their quiet, steadfast devotion to each other warmed my heart. There’s no unnecessary melodrama, no excessive “I-can’t-live-without-you” speeches—just two people who know each other’s souls and choose to stay together, no matter the trials they face. And isn’t that the most powerful kind of love? Read my Review.

Tasha Suri is a master of creating rich, immersive worlds, and The Jasmine Throne is no exception. The setting alone is breathtakingly mystical, but what really stayed with me was the love story. This isn’t a romance that exists in isolation—rather, it grows alongside the characters’ personal struggles and political turmoil. Priya and Malini’s relationship is built on defiance, survival, and an undeniable pull toward each other. What makes this romance so compelling is the way they see each other beyond their facades—Priya, a servant who is much more than she seems, and Malini, an exiled princess with a dangerous ambition. Their love is not just about longing or passion; it is about trust, risk, and the strength that comes from choosing someone even when the world is against you. The slow burn makes every stolen glance and whispered conversation feel like an act of rebellion, making their love story all the more powerful. Read my Review.

I can already hear the groans of some readers—how could I possibly include The Name of the Wind on this list? Kvothe and Denna’s relationship is…complicated, to put it mildly. But despite (or maybe because of) the frustration, there’s something undeniably powerful about their dynamic. Kvothe is endlessly drawn to Denna, but he never truly has her—there’s always this space, this ache, this distance between them. They dance around each other, keeping secrets, never fully letting the other in. It drove me mad, but it also made me feel something deep. Love isn’t always about fulfillment; sometimes, it’s about yearning, and The Name of the Wind captures that beautifully.

Dystopian settings often don’t lend themselves well to romance, but Blackwing manages to create something truly memorable. Ryhalt Galharrow is a man shaped by war, betrayal, and darkness, and yet, his love for Ezabeth brings a raw vulnerability to his character that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Their relationship is not one of soft words or grand gestures—it is about survival, about two people who understand that love sometimes means carrying each other through the worst of times. What makes their love so special is its resilience. Even when secrets and fate pull them apart, even when they are forced to make impossible choices, there is an undeniable tether between them. It is the kind of love that exists despite everything, despite the cruelty of their world, despite the pain they endure. And in a setting as bleak as this, that small light of love is all the more powerful. Read my Review.